The Lincoln National Forest has begun hazard tree mitigation and fuels reduction work in the South Fork and Blue 2 fire scars near Ruidoso. Heavy equipment will be operating in several Forest Service areas, and temporary public closures may occur during peak work periods.

FEMA will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at approximately 12:20 PM MDT. Radio and television programming may be temporarily interrupted. No action is required by the public.

The Lincoln National Forest has temporarily closed Forest Roads 329, 329B, 483, and 57 due to damage caused by recent tropical storms. The closure order remains in effect through January 1, 2027, unless rescinded earlier.

The Village of Ruidoso Automated Speed Enforcement Program is active at multiple locations to improve roadway safety and encourage compliance with posted speed limits. As of October 16, 2026, Ruidoso Police report that 338 speeding citations were issued within the past week, including 138 on Hull Road. Citation enforcement is currently active on Junction Road, Paradise Canyon Drive, and Hull Road. Citations may be issued for vehicles traveling 11 mph or more above the posted speed limit. The citation amount is $100, with no points assessed on driving records.

The Lincoln National Forest plans prescribed pile burns near Ruidoso and Nogal beginning as early as October 13. No closures are planned, but smoke may be visible in Ruidoso, Ruidoso Downs, Alto, and Nogal.

The Village of Ruidoso is warning Planning Commission applicants about fraudulent fee invoices that may use official-looking Village branding and case-specific information. The invoices did not originate from the Village, and Planning Commission fees are currently waived.

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Learn how to recognize messages that falsely claim to be from the Village of Ruidoso and how to verify suspicious communications, payment requests, and other information through official Village sources.

New Mexico has lifted statewide fire restrictions following recent rainfall, but the Village of Ruidoso remains under Level I Fire Restrictions. Restrictions on the surrounding Lincoln National Forest and other public lands may differ by jurisdiction.

The Lincoln National Forest has lifted all fire restrictions across its three ranger districts following recent rainfall and cooler temperatures, reducing the forest fire danger to Moderate. Visitors are still urged to practice wildfire safety. Please note that the Village of Ruidoso’s Level I Fire Restrictions remain in effect within Village limits.

Effective July 20, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., the Village of Ruidoso reduced fire restrictions from Level II to Level I following improved fire conditions. Commercial fire pits approved by the Fire Marshal and outdoor cooking on all appliances, including charcoal grills, are now permitted. Non-commercial fire pits, campfires, and fireworks remain prohibited.

The Village of Ruidoso has published official traffic information for IRONMAN® 70.3 Ruidoso race weekend. Residents are encouraged to plan ahead by reviewing road closures, neighborhood access, traffic guidance, downloadable documents, and frequently asked questions before traveling on July 11–12.